Sarah LesslerCelebrating the 11th Annual Polo for a Purpose
Polo for Life celebrated the 11th anniversary of its “Polo for a Purpose” gala in February 2026, successfully raising over $500,000 to support children and families battling pediatric cancer. The funds will benefit three vital local organizations: the Kids Cancer Foundation, Miami Cancer Institute, and Pediatric Oncologist Support Team.
Event co-chairs Rob Gray, Montana Coady, Alex Hamer, and PJ Rizvi
The elegant evening began at the National Polo Center with a fiercely competitive match on the legendary Field One. Mayer Ranch (Kenny Mayer, Brandon Phillips, Luis Escobar, and Kris Kampsen) took on Hotels at Sea (Tareq Salahi, Lerin Zubiaurre, Nic Roldan, and Brendon Stenzel). Five-year-old Ava, currently fighting a rare bone cancer, threw out the first ball. Guests enjoyed fast-paced action on the pitch from the 7th Chukker terrace, sipping cocktails as the sun set over the Florida skyline. Play ended in a 3-3 tie.
Mayer Ranch vs Hotels at Sea
Lerin Zubiaurre and Brandon Phillips
Lerin Zubiaurre
Game MVP Kenny Mayer
After the match, dancers guided attendees to the Mallet Grill pool deck for a La Dolce Vita-themed reception. Synchronized swimmers welcomed guests to a rustic Italian village setting. At candlelit tables, guests feasted on fresh stone-oven pizza, gourmet pasta, and artisanal gelato as rivers of red and white wine flowed.
Decor by Sutka Visual Design
Mari Vasan, Sharmila Seth, PJ Rizvi, Jen Alexander, and Jessica Gasparo.
Aqualillies
Award-winning singer Richard Shelton provided the evening’s entertainment, performing beloved Frank Sinatra classics. Brandon Phillips, Polo for Life’s founder and himself a survivor of pediatric cancer, took to the stage to deliver a heartfelt tribute to his mother. He credits her fierce and unwavering advocacy with saving his life.
Richard Shelton
PJ Rizvi with dancers
Following Brandon’s remarks, auctioneer Sebastian Clarke led a spirited live auction, offering a curated selection of luxury offerings. Highlights included ruby earrings donated by Coady Culha, an elegant dinner at The Polo Room in Palm Beach, and a stay at a four-bedroom villa at Round Hill in Montego Bay.
Astrid Neblung, Odgen O’Reilly- Leyland, Farah Rizvi, Sofia Gasparo and Lauren Turner
The celebration wrapped up with a DJ and dancing under the stars. Blending top-tier equestrian sport with luxurious hospitality, Polo for a Purpose once again demonstrated how the equestrian community comes together to deliver life-changing support to South Florida families facing the myriad challenges that accompany pediatric cancer.
